Surname Spanger - Meaning and Origin
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Spanger: What does the surname Spanger mean?
The surname Spanger is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word 'spange', which means ‘a buckle or clasp’, and is an occupational name for someone who deals in buckles, clasps and other types of jewellery.
In Old German, the ‘er’ suffix indicated that the name was a surname; when added to the ‘spange’, it would have signified ‘seller or maker of buckles/clasps’. It is also possible that it is a topographic name for someone who lived by a gate or 'spange', as these devices were sometimes used as a form of fastening on gates.
The Spanger surname is first documented in the German state of Bavaria in the early 17th century, where it is noted that several members of the family ran a jewellery workshop in the Bavarian city of Munich.
By the 19th century, the Spanger family had spread across Germany, but most of them still lived in Bavaria; many of them were also merchants and jewellers. The Spanger name also reached other parts of Europe, settling mainly in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Today, there are still many people around the world who carry the Spanger surname, although most of them are found in Germany and other countries of German origin.
Order DNA origin analysisSpanger: Where does the name Spanger come from?
The last name Spanger is most common in Germany today. According to the 2018 German surname statistics, Spanger is the 4,490th most popular surname in Germany. Data from the 1990 United States Census reveals that the last name is relatively rare in the United States, where it ranked 5,448th in popularity. Spanger is also not a common name in other countries.
The origins of the surname are not clear, but some indications point to Germany. In German, the root words "span" or "spannen" mean "to stretch" and "ger" is an element which generally means "one who does, makes or works with." A possible interpretation of their combination is "one who stretches out," likely a reference to someone who measures or stretches cloth.
The Spanger Coat of Arms depicts a silver star on a blue background, probably symbolizing honor or an accomplishment made by an ancestor.
Today, the surname may be found most prominently in its country of origin, Germany, but there are Spanger families scattered across the globe, from the United States to Canada to Australia. Many members of the Spanger family may have retained their connection to their German roots through shared language, culture, and surname.
Variations of the surname Spanger
The surname Spanger is a Germanic name, most generally found in Europe and the Americas. This surname is generally said to originate from the Middle High German seekers 'span' and 'ger', denoting a 'heaver' or 'gatherer'.
Variants of Spanger include Speanger, Spangar, Spangor, Spangerl, Spangler, Spanjer, Spannagel, Spennagel, and Sponagel.
Spelinger is a spelling variant of Spanger, and is a variant of the Middle High German name Spenlinger or Spenleger. This variation possibly started being used as far back as the 15th century, when it may have been used as a forename for children.
Spenger is another variation that developed away from the more traditional spelling of Spanger. The modern spelling for this surname traces its roots to Bavarian areas of Germany and the surrounding countries. The spelling is said to have developed in the 1880s in western Europe.
Spanigar is a variation believed to have come into existence during the 20th century in Germany. This variation is thought to have been used to describe people who hailed from the area near the city of Bueler, located in the southern state of Bavaria.
Finally, Spengler is a surname variation likely derived from Spenger, the Bavarian regional variation of Spanger. This version of the name is a German occupational name for a fabric maker or a wool weaver.
Overall, the surname Spanger contains a range of variant spellings and surnames which have likely developed over time from different areas and sources. From the Germanic speakers of the Middle Ages to the Bavarians of the 20th century, the persistence and evolution of this surname give insights into the history of its bearers.
Famous people with the name Spanger
- Maike Spanger: Former German synchronous swimmer, known for almost reaching a bronze medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Catherine Spanger: American actress and producer, best known for her film roles in Terminal Velocity and Primary Colors.
- Andrew Spanger: British astrophysicist and notable professor at Imperial College London, known for his work in observational astrophysics.
- Kevin Spanger: American businessman and entrepreneur who co-founded the world-renowned denim brand Lucky Jeans.
- Alexander Spanger: Austrian professional tennis player who represented his country in Davis Cup competitions and World Team Tennis.
- Stephen D. Spanger: Former CEO of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and professor emeritus at Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
- Heidi Spanger: American cinematographer who has received multiple honors, including an Emmy Award nomination in 2018.
- Paul Spanger: German chef who is the owner and executive chef of Spangers, a high-end restaurant located in Berlin.
- Denise Spanger: Brazilian model who has appeared in several runway shows, including Vivienne Westwood and Hug Fashion Show.
- Margaret Spanger: Distinguished professor of horticulture at the University of Minnesota and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.